Standing Tall Falling HardSamuel and Saul

Review

I. Plot PointsGod is seeking people willing to trust and obey Him whatever the circumstances.

Although fathers may be faithful, this does not guarantee their children will be faithful.

God’s people are called to covenant faithfulness, not conformity to the cultures around them.

A leader’s personality and charisma are not as important as humble obedience.

II. OverviewSamuel is born

People had no desire to hear God

First experiment with kingship started well and ended in shambles

Hannah poured out her heart to God

Samuel willingly responded to God’s direction

III. Upper Story/Lower Story

God is in charge even of the barren wombWill of God

Hannah’s womb was open because of God’s great compassion.

Samuel is born to handle some distortions

God’s best is not a King—Distortion that they need to have a king

III. The Last Judge 1 Samuel 1-4

Last verse in Judges

Judges 21:25 (ESV) In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Samuel was raised under the tutelage of Eli-Direct descendent of Aaron

IV. The first King 1 Samuel 8-10

Against Samuel’s wishes and warnings,

Samuel’s warning about a kingTake sons and make them serve in the army

Take daughter’s as perfumers, cooks and bakers

Take fields, vineyard and olive groves and redistribute them

Tax your incomeFreely take servants, cattle, and donkeys for his own use and as taxes.

You will become slaves to the King.

V. Saul in Battle 1 Samuel 11-13, 15

Many battles

Battle with Amalekites

Samuel’s confrontation of Saul

Saul—I have obeyed and God gave victory

You have not obeyed

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV) And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

VI. Result of disobedience

Lost God’s blessing

Lost the kingdom to another

Great depression the rest of his life

Application

We are representatives of God. Don’t distort, be authentic

Let’s not be Eli, Hophni, Phinehas or Saul. Let’s not give in to the phoniness or conformity to the world.

Trade all phoniness for authenticity

Not conform to the world, but be transformed by God.

We will not DISTORT Christ but portray a pure picture of Him that shows acceptance, love, grace and the offer of life that is truly life.